Sunday, November 12, 2006

Veteran's day has come and gone and we have had on our minds the present war in Iraq and past wars in the Gulf, Vietnam, Korea, in Japan, and Europe and America and those who are serving and have served in these wars and those who died in these conflicts. There are some differing views about whether it is ethical for a person who practices the Craft to be involved with war. I have no arguement with either side. I understand that not all wars are worthy wars, but I also accept that some of us, whether we are crafters or not, to prove themselves on the field of battle.

Crafters who go into the military believe they fulfilling an act of soldiery, to become warriors of the craft and fulfill their spiritual and physical training through a contest of the wills to do so and earn the degree of warrior priest of the various Craft, Wiccan, or Pagan discplines. It does hurt my heart, however when I hear Wiccans say that they are wrong to desire the chance to be warriors and do what they feel is right. After all, if it were not the will of the fates, or God or gods and goddesses of that warrior's faith system, then they would not be allowed to do so.

So On this Weekend, when we honor the living and the dead who have fought for our freedom, and our flag, I honor also all Crafters in uniform, particularly Patrick Stewart, a faithful Wiccan who gave his life and now the government refuses to honor him with the symbol of his faith, the Pentacle Star, on his headstone. This post is dedicated you Patrick.